The Piano Studio
- Accessible location in Thornhill (Don Mills & John Street), minutes from the 404, 407 and Highway 7
- Serving Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Unionville, York Region and Toronto
- Easy parking
- Bright, spacious studio, equipped with two pianos
- Access to a rich audio-visual library.
Piano Lessons
- Private lessons
- Lessons offered in English or French
- Preparation for RCM Examinations – all levels
- Preparation for university auditions
- Performance opportunities: recitals, music festivals and competitions
Online Lessons
- Online lessons are available on Zoom or Skype
- Use of Google Docs to transfer assignments and other helpful material to students
- Use of YouTube unlisted channels for performance and coaching
Teaching Philosophy
- The joy of music making should last a lifetime;
- Araxie believes in a holistic approach to teaching piano. Theoretical, historical, and analytical understanding of the music develops confident control and is made accessible and interesting in our studio! Moreover, discovering the fascinating cultural background of the music being learned is essential to keeping the student’s interest level high.
- Lessons are designed to develop confident, well rounded, independent young musicians. Listening, reading, technical and memorization skills are developed methodically, along with expressive and interpretive ones. Strong foundations are a priority. For successful results, a thorough approach to teaching essential skills on behalf of the teacher must be matched with full cooperation and a genuine desire to improve on behalf of the student. Therefore, a serious commitment to music studies is expected from the student.
- Audio-visual recording of the student in the studio helps develop better awareness and critical listening, essential to well-controlled performance. Confidence is further reinforced through performance opportunities. In the case of online lessons, this recording experience is extended to unlisted YouTube channels for the strict use of the teacher, students, and their parents.
- A good understanding of the instrument and the body, and the most efficient way to use both constitute proper piano technique, the essential tool that allows pianists to express their musical ideas free of tension and with beautiful tone.
The importance of a good start
The first years of music lessons are critical, as they form the foundation of future progress. Basic learning and playing habits are formed during these years, and determine the success of future studies.
Unlike a computer, the human brain does not have a “delete” key, or an “uninstall/re-install” option. Habits acquired in the early stages are deeply rooted in a child’s mind and muscles and difficult to change in later years.
Unfortunately, sometimes the importance of these early developmental years is underestimated, and the quest for good quality teaching is delayed until the senior years. However, by the time the child is deemed deserving of a “good teacher”, the bad habits are so deeply rooted in them and the loopholes of their musical knowledge so important, that both student and teacher are pretty much condemned to struggle through the senior years of music study, without attaining the student’s full potential.
Struggle is never a joy. In fact, the drop-out rate is much higher among students who have weak foundations, whereas the chances of enjoying music, specially at the senior level, increase when the student has had a good start!
Good to know !
- In accordance with the Private Music Teacher and the School Administration Act, Section 6 (Sub-section 2): …“a child is excused from attendance at school, if he/she is absent from school for the purpose of receiving instruction in music and the period of absence does not exceed one half day in any week.”
- High School Accreditation for music exams: Grade 7 Practical + Intermediate Rudiments qualify for 1 High School credit. Grade 8 Practical + Advanced Rudiments qualify for 1 Graduation (Grade 12) credit.
- Tuition Tax Credit for music lessons at the post-secondary level becomes law. In a judgment dated october 11, 2007 in Toronto, Ontario, Justice Wyman W. Webb agreed that music students studying at a post secondary level should be allowed to claim their tuition or defer it to their parents. For the complete court ruling please refer to: http://decision.tcc-cci.gc.ca/en/2007/2007tcc632/2007tcc632.html Tax Court of Canada Tarkowski v. Queen, docket:2007-565(IT)I
